Few builds from Scaled on Animal Planet captured the show's creativity quite like the Rustic Bar Build. This project blended a functional entertainment space with a dynamic habitat for painted agamas, one of the most active, high-energy lizard species we worked with on the show.
The rustic bar build from Scaled, on Animal Planet
Completed rustic bar build from Scaled with an integrated reptile enclosure
The completed Rustic Bar Build from *Scaled*, with the enclosure fully integrated into the bar.

What made this enclosure stand out was its authenticity. The entire bar was themed with real barn wood sourced directly from my parents' farm, giving it a genuine rustic feel that couldn't be duplicated with manufactured materials. From the weathered texture to the natural aging, the wood brought history and warmth into the build.

The build

Show
*Scaled*, Animal Planet
Client
A liquor sales rep
Animal
Painted agamas
Material
Barn wood from Greg's family farm, live-edge bar top
Lighting
Zoo Med T5 HO UVB fixtures and custom angled basking fixtures
Extras
Working keg and tap, acrylic inset snake in the bar top

Built for a liquor rep

The client for this build worked as a liquor sales rep, so we leaned fully into that theme. We created custom liquor bottles with labels based on each key member of the Scaled crew, an inside joke and a collectible all in one.

To tie the entire atmosphere together, we added:

  • A centrepiece buffalo skull mounted as rustic décor

  • Custom branded liquor bottles themed to the Scaled crew

  • A fully working keg and tap system built right into the bar

  • An acrylic inset snake embedded in the bar top

  • Authentic barn wood from my family's farm

Custom branded liquor bottles themed to the Scaled crew
Custom-branded shooter bottles themed to the *Scaled* crew, used as décor throughout the bar.
Handmade wagon used as part of the custom liquor bottle décor
Handmade wagon used as a display piece for the themed liquor bottle décor.
Custom bar tap handle designed for the family
Custom tap handle created specifically for the family, tying into the liquor rep theme.
Wine bottle holder and rack detail from the bar build
Wine bottle holder detail, tying the bar's function and décor together.

Right in Rachel's wheelhouse

This build was also a natural fit for Rachel, who is best known for her rustic woodworking and intricate live-edge creations. The barn wood aesthetic, the rugged textures, and the opportunity to blend functional design with organic materials were all right in her wheelhouse.

Raw wood suits arid species only
A rustic wood interior wouldn't work for many reptile species, particularly tropical or high-humidity animals. It was perfectly suited for painted agamas, an arid species that thrives in low moisture environments. Because of this, we didn't need to fully seal the interior walls, only the floors where moisture might accumulate, so the build kept its authentic, natural finish without compromising husbandry.

Engineered for active painted agamas

Painted agamas are highly active lizards, so we designed the enclosure with multiple elevations, jump points, and visual barriers to create meaningful enrichment.

The lighting and heating were set up with precision using:

  • Zoo Med T5 HO UVB fixtures for proper UV exposure

  • Custom angled basking fixtures for optimal heat gradients

  • A multi-level climbing and basking structure built directly into the layout

Painted agama in the bar build enclosure on Scaled
A painted agama enjoying its new arid-themed bar enclosure home.

The build process

This build combined everything Cornel's World is known for: precision craftsmanship, unique theming, clever problem-solving, and seamless integration of functional elements. From custom cabinetry and lighting to the working keg system and enclosure-in-bar design, every detail had to work perfectly within a fully operational bar layout.

Mapping the layout for décor and wine rack holders during bar build planning
Mapping out the layout for décor and wine rack holders before the final installation.
Live-edge bar top with a routed snake shape in production
Live-edge bar top in production, with the routed snake path taking shape.
Test fitting the acrylic inset snake into the live-edge bar top
Test fitting the acrylic inset snake into the live-edge slab before final finishing.
Elaine and Chance discussing the design details for the bar build
Elaine and Chance going over the design and final details on set.

Tight timelines, creative constraints, and the desire to push boundaries all made this one of the most memorable builds we completed on the show. It remains one of the most talked-about creations from Scaled and a perfect example of how functional spaces can be transformed into living art.

The finished bar

Side view of the bar build showing the integrated reptile enclosure
Side view of the completed bar build with the reptile enclosure built in.
Top view of the rustic bar build showing layout and décor
Top-down view of the bar layout, décor, and enclosure positioning.

Plan a custom build

Want your own one-of-a-kind enclosure, bar or otherwise? Tell us about the space and the animal, and we'll design around both.

Plan a custom build

Scaled and all associated imagery and video content © Animal Planet / Discovery.